Can CDFrontEnd manage frames? And what about the mouseover? The popup windows? Can it create an autorun CD with a click? Does it protect my work? Does it make the coffee...?

The answer is always yes . Well... not for the coffee, but we’re working on it! To learn more, scroll below, see the fast tour, take a closer look at the online manual, and read the PDF manual.

I have used another editor and I can’t understand how to manage HTML files with CDFrontEnd...

CDFrontEnd is a standalone tool, not a "compiler", there isn't any need to manage HTML or codes. Of course you can import old HTML pages with “File >Import”.

Is CDFrontEnd HTML compatible?

Our presentation program has its own internal standard that's independent of HTML. It will display on any PC as it doesn't need any Explorer, Netscape or any other browser installed. If you get HyperPublish you can save your CDFrontEnd's presentation in HTML; click here for a bundle offer (HyperPublish + CDFrontEnd).

I saved the brochure on CD just as stated in the help file. When I inserted the CD, it only displayed the cover page. There is no way of getting to another page. How do I do this?

You must place links to let the user browse the other pages. The ways to browse pages provided INSIDE the CDFrontEnd are for authors only. The reader can just follow the links YOU place. If you don't place links, they will not see any other page other than the cover.

I want to evaluate your program, but I can't get started. I have a manuscript all ready. I want to know how to get it into the program in order to continue and eventually see how your program compiles it. What are my first steps?

If your work is in another text format, use "File >Import" then choose the format. If not, just start the program and type on the keyboard. CTRL+ for adding new pages. CDFrontEnd has its own editor for creating presentations, you don't need external programs. See also the Tutorials, F1 then "Tutorials".

I imported HTML pages into the presentation, but nothing is showing up!!

All hypertext pages are saved in a whole “AEH” file. With “File >Save all” or with the toolbar button, you save all hypertext pages with a single click.

...in the tutorial it says:...then, let’s press the link button in the toolbar (sheet and chain, or > "Insert >Link" from the main menu)... but there is no button labeled "link" in the toolbar...and which toolbar?

Select (highlight) a text block then, if you aren't able to find the button with the image of the sheet of paper and the chain, choose from the main menu “Insert” then “Link”. If you are on an image, use the right mouse button, and choose “Define link”.

How can I set the size of a page?

You can’t set the size of the page, as you can’t know what monitor and what window will be used by the people that will see your CD. The safe way is to always use percent (%) tables (it is the default in CDFE) and to not assume that the pages have a fixed size.

I want to change the page numbering as I want to insert a page between page 1 and 2, but I can’t.

No, you can’t. If you really need to do that, you can insert say a page #3, copy the #2 to #3 with “Edit >Paste page from...”, then delete all the text within page #2. Agreed this is not quite what you are looking for, but in any case please remember that the end user will not see the CDFrontEnd page numbers, only the page titles, so it really makes no difference. If you were to label page 24 as "Page 1" and page 45 as

"Page 2" this would have no effect on your readers, as the CDFrontEnd page number is just a facility to allow you to switch pages without having to remember the proper page names.

Can I change the number of page #0?

This is not possible. If you want to set another page as the home page / cover, simply choose “Hypertext >Current hypertext properties”, and click on the left, on “cover”. Any page can be used as the cover, not just the #0. The #0 is just the default.

How can I fix a page width to 535 pixels, in order to obtain the ideal setting when printing to paper?

You can fix this width for a table. Use the right mouse button on a table cell, and click “Properties”. However, it is better to use % tables, so your presentation will display well on all monitors, from 10 to 19”.

How can I place a link inside the same page?

The links within the same page are called “Anchors”. First, you need to place the “Anchors”. In order to do this, move the cursor to the link destination and use “Insert >Anchor” from the main menu (or SHIFT+F5). You will see an anchor icon. If you select it with the right mouse button you can edit its properties. A number is assigned to each anchor.

Now select (highlight) the text block or the image you want to link, and use “Insert >Special link” (on an image, click the right mouse button, “Define special link”). Click on OK in the window that will be shown. Then you will see a dialog where you can select the destination Anchor. Click on the anchor, then click OK. You can test the result in “read only” mode (Hypertext >Read only).

How can I link to an anchor placed in a different page?

Select (highlight) the text block you want to link, then “Insert >Special link”. In the dialog that will be shown, do not choose the first tab but one of the others (e.g. second tab “Normal”) then OK, and select the destination page. Within the preview of that page you can click on the destination Anchor (the number will be copied in the box that’s on the right at the bottom of the window).

I've not been able to find out if I can have different colors for links in the same page...

You should define different text styles. Each text style can have its own color/style for the links. Use "Format >Styles", then the last tab ("link"). You can also set up the style of the link (underlined, bold, etc.).

Where can I find information about pages contained in a hypertext / presentation / brochure? How can I manage pages?

Access: "Hypertext >Go to page", the bottom center page number box, click the right mouse button on this box.

When I'm editing an *.aeh file, how can I delete a page (in my case page 0 as it is empty)?

Page 0 can't be deleted. For other pages, use "Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase". You can also cut & paste another page to fill the page 0.

I don't understand how to insert a link.

Select (highlight) a text block, then press the button with a page and chain. In the window displayed, you can link to an existing page in the hypertext, or to a newer one - more options are also available.

For example, you choose "new page", then press OK. CDFrontEnd will create the new page for you, and will show the page in the editor. If you link to an existing page, you can choose it from an active preview - active means that you can navigate through it like in a browser. When you press OK, the link is made and CDFrontEnd shows the destination page in the editor. See also the tutorial in the online help (F1 then "Tutorials", "Create and link pages").

How can I link an external Html page, for example an Html page that already exists on my Web site?

Select (highlight) a block, click on the chain button, choose "Internet", click the “Add” button and write in the left box the address (e.g. "http://mysite.com/ mypage.htm"), then press "OK".

How can I manage the pages different from the main one? Just with links?

In the bottom center there is a box with the current page number. Click on it with the right mouse button, you will have a list of the most recent visited pages. You can also use “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, “Hypertext >Go to page...”, “File >All pages...”.

How can I copy a page within another in the same hypertext (with Html I can do it with "save as", then "open". Is there another way in CDFrontEnd)?

"Insert >New page", then "New page by copying existing one"; or "New page by copying from another hypertext", ...

You can also use "Edit >Paste page from...".

How can I manage headers and footers?

If you use F1 and search for the keyword "header" or "footer" (Search >Keyword search) you'll get the answer.

In short, you can use any page as the header or footer for any other page, i.e. if you want a global header for the whole presentation:

- create a page and insert within it everything you want in your header (a logo, a sentence, etc.).

- choose "Hypertext >Current hypertext properties", second tab, and press the "browse..." button near “header”. In the window that appears, choose the page you just created.

With “Format >Current page properties” you can define a private header (or no header) for any page.

Do you have some step by step guidelines on how to create, open, and close popup windows?

To open a popup, select (highlight) a text block, "Insert >Special link", 3rd tab (independent window or popup). To close a popup, in the page where the popup should be closed, use "Insert >Page functions >Open/close windows", then specify the name of the popup. The popup is closed on entering the page. You can open the .aeh files used as examples (speciallinks.aeh).

I imported HTML pages into the document, but nothing is showing up!!

Use CTRL+ CTRL- to move between pages.

I can only get to non-linked pages when I am in the "edit/preview" mode, by using the page scroller (the box at the bottom of the screen, with the page number) or CTRL+-. Is this normal? Will normal keyboard/mouse paging work when this CD is "published"?

No, you have to place links. The other ways to manage pages are only active in the editor (this simplifies the creation / management of pages).

Is there a limit to the length of the URL you can insert with "Insert >Link", 3rd tab?

Yes, there is an internal limit. You can insert longer links very simply, by using the "Long link plugin": it will install a new menu under "Insert >Link to". Click here for the download (save somewhere on the desktop and double click to install; click here for more plugins).

What is the maximum number of pages I can use? Is there a maximum size?

The PRO and GOLD have no limits.

Will your program allow me to create an index at the top of a page, create a paragraph or graphics several lines down the page, use the indexed item as a heading for the paragraph or graphics and link to it, also add a 'return to top of page' at the end of each paragraph?

You can insert any kind of links but you have to insert links manually.

You can use "anchors" for links within the page. The program can create an automatic linked index with "Insert >Contents". To repeat a block on the top of a page, use the Header function (Format menu).

TABLES

Does percent % size mean the table will automatically be sized to the content?

It means the table will fit the screen pixel width, using a %. When you insert a new table, the software uses 100% as the default. Unless you have a particular requirement, do not change this setting. It will fit automatically any browser window.

I inserted an image in a table. Why does it appear in all cells?

Perhaps you inserted the image as the table “background”. If you want to insert an image as a single “cell” background, use the right mouse button on the cell, “Properties”, second tab, then click the Sun and Cactus icon.

When I have to write words in 3 columns do I have to insert a table or can I just use the space bar?

It is better to use a table. Never use the space bar as, if you view the page from another PC, the size of the space might be different and you will lose the alignment.

How can I create a table with more than one column within a row?

You can insert a new table with any number of rows or columns within a cell of another table.

How can I delete a table?

There are many ways. For example put the cursor on a cell, press the right mouse button, then choose "Select table", then press DEL.

How can I copy a table?

Select the table as above, then press CTRL+INS. Move the cursor to the destination, then press SHIFT+INS.

I'm having a problem formatting text in a table. The table text automatically formats itself to Times New Roman (my default font is Arial) and I also can't select the entire table, column or row to apply the required formatting.

The table default style is "[no style in tab]". Simply change that style with "Format >Styles".

IMAGES, AREAS, HOT SPOTS, THUMBNAILS, BACKGROUNDS, ICONS, ROLLOVER

How can I manage a rollover (mouse over sensitive) image?

On an image, click the right mouse button, "Properties", then select the "Low res and mouse" tab and press the icon with the cactus and sun (on the right).

Animated GIFs don't play in the editor!

Move to preview mode (Hypertext >Read only).

How can I move images and position them somewhere in the page? I can’t position an image as I would like.

The “fixed” position for an image is good when you create a text that will be printed on paper, but makes no sense for a CD presentation, where the reader can see your work inside an unknown width window. Your user might use a 600 pixel or a 1200 pixel width window, and you don’t know that. The best thing to do then is to create a CD that will be seen well on any PC, in other words a presentation that all readers will like. To do this, simply use “invisible” tables (i.e. tables without any border) to position images on the page.

If I want to add a caption near to an image is it better to use tables or frames?

Better to use a table.

How can I delete an image inside a table?

Select the image and press DEL two times. If the image is a background, choose “Table >Properties”. To delete the table, click the right mouse button, “Select table”, DEL.

Can I write some text over an image, similar to using layers in a graphics program?

No, you should use PaintShop PRO or a similar graphics program to achieve this. Click over an image with the right mouse button and choose "Edit...".

Is there a fast way to change the image background for all pages of a CD business card?

There are two ways. If the background is already an image, use “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, select the image, then press “Replace...”. Otherwise there is a button in the bottom right of the second tab of “Hypertext >Current hypertext properties” dialog.

How can I place text beside an image?

Create a simple table with one row and two columns. Inside the first column, insert the image. Inside the second one, insert the text.

I am having trouble inserting an image with a transparent background. Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.

It should work for the large majority of GIF images. However, not all images are suitable to be automatically converted using the included transparent-color processor, so you may have to proceed manually with paint programs such as Paint Shop PRO or Corel Photo Paint.

Is it possible to add more than one clickable area (hot spot) on an image?

You can insert up to 20 areas per image. If you need more, you can split the image into different sections with a paint program.

I see the "paste from clipboard" can perform the automatic conversion of a WMF to a GIF / JPG format with a lower byte size. As I already inserted WMF images, can I convert them to GIF in some way or must I reinsert them?

Unfortunately, you must reinsert.

I can't insert animated GIF files using "Insert >Animation"!

Please use "Insert >Image".

Where can I find the included clip art?

In the “Insert >Images” dialog, “From disk”; click on the icon with the mountain and the sun.

How can I insert pictures that will be enlarged in a separate window when you click on them? Should I use the click area / hot spots? What can I do with a click area?

A click area is useful when you want to assign different destination links to different sections of a single image. For example let’s say you have a picture of yourself. You can assign an area to the eyes, an area to the mouth, and so on. A click on the eyes may display a page where you talk about your wonderful blue eyes and so on...

If you want to create a gallery with some thumbnails linked to larger images in a separate window, you don’t need to use hot spots. You may use the “Insert >Image gallery / photo album” automatic feature (GOLD edition).

Or simply create a page containing a series of small images, then insert a new page for each enlargement and assign links to each small image (click on the image with the right mouse button, “Define special links”). Inside the “special link” dialog you can specify to use a popup to display the destination link (the page containing the larger image), and you can specify a name for the popup.

Is there a way to place icons or thumbnails on my page, then click to view a larger image?

Or just insert a little image (you can do it with a paint program) then insert a link (click on the image with the right mouse button, "Define link") to a page that contains the larger image. If you use "Define special link" you can also show the larger image in a popup.

How can I set a background image or a background color for a page?

“Format >Page properties”, then click the icon with the cactus and the sun.

You can also insert tables using an image as the background (click on a table or on a table cell with the right mouse button, then properties).

I designed a navigation bar in Paint Shop PRO, how do I insert that into page and add links to each button?

Insert >Image then add hot spots (clickable areas) with the right mouse button, then define links with right mouse button.

I have an image and some text on one page. I want the text to line up on the right of the image, and I suppose using a frame will do it, but I can't get my image into a frame.

Better to use a simple table, rather than a frame. Just use "Insert >Table" then use a table with 2 columns, 1 row (if you want to create frames, simply drag the top or left border of the edit window).

Is there any way to assign an image as a border for a page? I have an image that is about 1 inch wide and I want it wrapped around the page. Can this be done?

You can create a table with 3 rows x 3 columns, and use the image as the background for the 8 externals cells (click the right mouse button from within the cell, then select "Properties"). If you edit the Style of the paragraph that contains the table ("Format >Styles"), you can eliminate the upper and external borders that this solution often leaves.

STYLES AND FONTS

If I change the font height, it sometimes gets lost when I write additional text. Why?

Do not move the cursor after changing the font style.

Can I save a style?

Yes. Simply write its name in the styles cell, then press ENTER, and the settings of the current paragraph will be saved as style. You can also import styles from another hypertext. For creating new styles you can also choose “Format >Styles”. See also the manual for more info!

How can I recall a style I saved?

Simply click on the styles cell and select the required style!

How can I change the style of the links within a table?

Like any style, i.e. by using "Format >Styles". The default style for tables is [no style in table]

I have created a presentation and used some of the fonts installed on my computer for the pages. The problem I have is when other people install and view it, the fonts are not the same as the ones I used to create the presentation. Should I use just fonts that are universal on all computers?

Yes, Times New Roman, Arial and Courier New. If the user has MSWindows + Office usually also Verdana and some others. Use GIF images when you want different fonts. It is not possible to distribute fonts due to copyrights.

If you want to use a fancy font for titles, you may use transparent images - we have a free "plugin" that permits you to do this automatically (you select/highlight a text, you click a button, the text is instantly transformed into an image by using the current font). The image will be identical for all the end users. Please see www.visualvision.com/plugin/ "text to image" plugin

FRAMES

How can I delete some frames I inserted?

You should delete them frame by frame. To delete a frame you should move its border to the top or to the left (depending of the kind of the frame). It may be faster to choose “Format >Advanced frameset manager”, to load a simplest frame set from a template, then press OK.

How can I remove the frames border?

Choose "Format >Page properties >Frame properties" (or use the right mouse button). In the dialog, uncheck the box “show rectangle border” and write 0 inside the “border between frames" box.

I am working with frames and I noticed that the frames will not allow me to align text/images to the top right-hand corner. It looks like the frames have a top margin of about .5". Can I get rid of this?

Yes, use "Hypertext >Current hypertext properties", second tab, and change the "margin" from -1 to 0.

I want to add a page with frames. I want to use as an existing page as a frame.

Create a new frame set. Within a frame, use the right-click mouse menu to select which page will fit the frame. You can also use "Format >Advanced frame set management". See the chapter about frames.

I have a page with too many frames. I went to "Hypertext", then "Images - files - hyperlink archives and erase" and tried to delete the pages with the frames. When I go back to the page, the frames are still there. What am I doing wrong?

You probably deleted another page. When working in the page with the frames, press the "no frame" button at the bottom of the page. That switches the view to "no frame" mode, (note: it doesn't actually delete the frames, it is just a display option). This way you will see which is the master page for the frame set. Delete it and the frame set will be deleted. Another way to delete a frameset is to replace it with another, (Format >Advanced frame set manager). To delete a frame you should move its border to the top or to the left (depending of the kind of the frame).

TEMPLATES

The templates seem to be in a foreign language, maybe Italian! Where could I get English ones?

The templates are not in Italian. It is a dummy latin-like language that has no meaning. The text is there purely to fit the page for demonstration purposes. You can replace it with anything you like. To edit the images, right click then choose "Edit...". To put your own text on some buttons please use "Insert >Image" then search for an empty clip art button (for the regular edition, see the Clipart folder, there are several empty buttons), then you may right click the image and use "Edit..." in order to superimpose a text with your default graphic / paint program. Alternatively, you may get the 3D Buttons software.

When working from a template, I am unable to edit any of the links to change their appearance or function. Clicking on a link and then right-click, "Edit" sends me to Tools, Program Options, where there is no info on editing

If you have a recent edition, right click then use "Link properties", otherwise just use "Insert >Link" (or right click then "Define link" on an image) and the link will be deleted and / or replaced.

If you choose "Edit" on an image, the program will attempt to run your default graphic / paint program (if any).

AUTORUN AUTOPLAY CD / DISTRIBUTION / SELLING / AEH

I created the CD business card and when I insert it I see a blank page!

Please use “Hypertext >Current hypertext properties”, second tab, then click the “Cover page” button on the bottom left, and choose a non-empty page as cover page.

When I am writing my presentation and save it as a CD, it only shows the cover page and nothing else, even though I saved it with 5+ pages in it. Can you please help?

You must insert some links for the other pages, either arrows, text links, or some way for the reader to navigate through your presentation. Remember that the end user can not use the "page number" facility, which is provided just as a quick means to switch between pages during development. With links you can move the user from page 0 to 45 and then to 3 and to 2, it is not necessary to adopt the structure of a regular printed brochure.

What is the way a brochure is supposed to look after the CD is inserted? Can a user edit it?

Any user will see the presentation in a read-only environment. The end user/reader is not supposed to have the CDFrontEnd editor (and you are not authorized to distribute it). You can however setup an editing password and so disable editing even in such cases ("Hypertext >Current hypertext properties").

When I save my presentation as CD, and put the CD on another computer, all that I get is an empty, gray page and cannot see the presentation

This is because your page 0 is empty. When the CD is inserted, it shows the "cover" page, that is page 0 (by default). If you want the user to see other pages, you must properly set the Cover and Summary pages, and you MUST place links. All the internal methods that CDFrontEnd provides for browsing pages are available only to the author. The reader must click on links to switch pages, so YOU decide what can be read by whom, and in what order.

Once I set up my CD can a person print the entire 50 pages at once with one click or do they need to print each page one at a time?

Yes they can use File >Print all. It prints the presentation in the order you defined with "Hypertext >Predefined page order TOC".

Can individual pages be printed?

Yes, sure. The printing dialog is very sophisticated, you can do hypertextual printing. You can also insert a button or a text such as "Click here to print" (use Insert >Special links").

Is there a way to only let the users print certain pages?

Yes. If you want, you can disable printing for all pages by using: ("Hypertext >Current hypertext properties"). Then, within a page that you wish to print, just insert an image or a text such as "Click here to print", select/highlight it, then use "Insert >Special link" and the tab "Other".

When I go to save I get the message "The file is too large for the free edition". What is the file limitation?

The limit for the LITE edition is about 2MB. Try to delete/change some images in order to avoid the save limit, or get the PRO / GOLD edition. You can create larger files (e.g. in order to try inserting a video) but you can not save them.

How do I keep the file size to a minimum? Do the frames increase the file size?

No, the thing that increases the file size is the number and type of the images included. Use a graphics program such as Paint Shop PRO in order to compress the images: for photos, the best format is .JPG. For line art, cartoons, etc, the best one is .GIF.

What can I do with an "AEH"? Can I only see it with CDFrontEnd?

If not protected, you can see an "AEH" with almost all Visual Vision products.

Does CDFE support database files when on CD?

No, CDFE does not support / can not directly use database files on CD. But you can import in a quick and handy way (see below).

Can I protect my CD with a password? Can I leave some pages without a password, so the user can see a sample before buying?

Yes, sure.

Can I protect my presentation with passwords? Can the clipboard copy be disabled? Can printing be disabled? Can I set an expiry date? Can I force the presentation to be shown "full screen"?

Yes. Use "Hypertext >Present hypertext properties".

Is the protection strong?

Yes, it is a 128 bit strong encryption.

The expiry date doesn't work!

If the expiry date is February 23 2021, the document will be visible until midnight of the 23, so it actually expires the first second of the 24th.

My target is big business with lots of employees and I don’t know how to protect my CD from sharing. Now lets assume that in one office there are 10 employees and that 5 of them want to buy my CD. How do I make sure that if I give the password to one of them he or she will not share the password with the others?

The passwords for the presentations created with CDFrontEnd can be personalized for each user without any effort. The first time someone reads your presentation, they will be prompted to enter a name and email address. In CDFrontEnd there is a dialog where you can insert that user name and email address, and you will get a personalized password that you can send to the user. The password will work for this user only. This feature can be enabled or disabled, it's your choice.

I’ve tried the sample with two passwords but it doesn’t work!

The two (or more) password option certainly works.

The password doesn't work!

If you are using different passwords for different users (the box "custom password for each user" within the "Hypertext >Passwords" menu was checked when you created the CD), each user password works only if you enter the correct username / email + user password; additionally the author password does not work on the CD. If you don't use different passwords for different users, the author password(s) work(s) both on CD and within the editor.

I’ve tried the sample with different passwords for different users but the user password doesn’t work, and also the author password, “mickey”, doesn’t work!

When using personal passwords, the author password works within CDFrontEnd only. It doesn’t work within the CDFrontEnd Reader (on CD): to read the CD you should generate a reader's password. To obtain the proper user password, you should insert a user name and email address in the “Hypertext >Password” dialog. Then you must use the same user name and email address for reading the CD (use "?" then "User's data"), that’s why the password is called “personal”, it doesn’t work with different personal data!! You might have to delete the .ERP file (if you burn a CD with the .ERP file, it won't require any password).

I am struggling to get to grips with the password. I am happy assigning an author password, but the reader password is beyond me. Your examples do not explain what happens. What does the reader have to do to get the password and how does it relate to the password window and boxes.

You can set a fixed password for all readers, or a password that changes for each reader. Each page can have a different password. The online help gives you an example. In the example the writer has added to the hypertext the password "mickey". That password is known by the writer only, and will be transformed to a different password for any reader. You should not to give out the password "mickey". For the reader called "aldo ghigliano", that password, "mickey", becomes "S\ZTOg". If you change the reader name you will have another password. It is your responsibility to give the correct password to each reader. To disable that feature, uncheck the box "custom password for each user". If this box is unchecked, when you save the presentation, the password "mickey" will be valid and identical for any reader.

The password "mickey" is assigned to the pages that are in the list on the right and are checked. In a new hypertext, to add a new password press the "Add +" button, then enter the password. To assign that password to one or more pages, use the right side list: the selected password is assigned to the checked pages.

When I enter an author pass, then click the box for individual customer passwords, it seems it changes the password given to a previous customer. Why is it doing that? And it seems I have to create a new CD once I add a new buyer/password, generating a copy per customer. This is making me crazy! Am I doing something wrong?

Yes, you are missing that the same CD / DVD can be given to all customers. It's only the name/password couple that would be different. When they match, the customer can see the CD.

So, first you create a single CD (you mass replicate it), second for each customer you enter name and email and the program will generate individual passwords (you can do this with the "Hypertext >Password" window, just keep it open, enter a customer name/email, write down his/her password(s), then enter another name/email, write down the pass and go on... the program doesn't store the individual passwords, they're automatically generated).

In conclusion, for each customer you can provide: a copy of the CD; name, email and password that they must use to see the CD.

Please notice that individual passwords are based on the author password: so if you change the author password(s) you have to save the file, generate the CD, distribute the CD (the same to all), then regenerate all individual passwords.

Generate ERP File: Clicking on this, saved on my desktop a file that I could not open. I got a message saying that this file could not be opened in this system.

The .ERP file does not need to be opened, but should you want to open it just use the Windows' Notepad. You can distribute it along with an AEH file (should you want to distribute an AEH file). CD + password is equivalent to AEH + ERP + EBooksReader (you find it at www.ebookswriter.com). The ERP file is a particular file that stores the password(s).

I've completed my CD, and I'm in the midst of creating passwords. However, in running a test of it, it opened without me having to put into it a password into. Why did it not prompt for a password?

Maybe the home page is not protected. The password is asked the first time the user enter a password protected page. Then it is stored. To see what pages are protected, open the AEH in CDFrontEnd, "Hypertext >Password", click a password in the left list, and look what pages are checked in the right list. If no pages are selected, auhm... you didn't protect any page with this password. It is not sufficient to enter a password in the left list, you must assign that password to the pages that you want to protect.

Please select some pages, press OK, and save the document as AEH. Then recreate the CD. Be sure to *not* insert the EWP or ERP file on the CD, too.

Is there a way to only let the users print certain pages?

Yes. If you want, you can disable printing for all pages by using: ("Hypertext >Current hypertext properties"). Then, within a page that you wish to print, just insert an image or a text such as "Click here to print", select/highlight it, then use "Insert >Special link" and the tab "Other".

I was reading about all the security features that your presentation program offers, but I did not see anything on how you prevent individuals from making mass copies and distributing the CD for free. For example, if a customer purchases a CD created with your software, there is nothing technically that prevents the individual from making multiple copies and distributing it for free. Do you have a solution?

Yes, it can makes multiple copies, but provided you protected the presentation with an individual password, the password must match his name and email address.

For example, you sell the presentation to Mark Smith, msmith@ge.com. If he copies the presentation, he would have to give away his name and email address, so it will publicly broadcast that he is a thief.

AEH / DOC / ZIP / PDF / FLASH / JAVA / ASP

How can I insert an external file? For example a ZIP, a PDF, etc.?

You can embed the file within the presentation. Select (highlight) a text block, then "Insert >Link", then the 4th tab, then select the file you want to insert from the file system.

You can also link to external files (on CD), please use F1 and see the tutorial.

What can I do with an "AEH"? Can I see it only with CDFrontEnd?

You can see an "AEH" with different VisualVision products and also with the free EBooksReader which works on the same principle as Acrobat Reader. An AEH file contains a whole presentation, so your work becomes easy to share. If you password protect the AEH, it can be seen only with CDFrontEnd or EBooksReader.

Can I insert Java Applets, JavaScripts within a page? Can I use ASP?

No. The presentation is read by a custom browser that doesn't support these things. The positive side of the story is that each CD created with CDFrontEnd doesn't need preinstalled software in order to be read (no Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera or Mozilla), and visually implements the most diffused scripts such as rollovers, popup windows, etc.

Why does the size of the AEH remain the same even if I delete some multimedia files ?

It is not sufficient to delete a link, a button or a video with the DEL key. To enable a fast reuse, CDFrontEnd archives each thing you use in an internal archive or “album”. If you delete the link, the file remains inside the album. If you want to delete the file, please choose “Hypertext >Images - files - link archive and erase”, search the file then delete it with DEL.

Can I save in PDF format?

Yes, indirectly. If you have the Adobe product installed, choose "File >Print" then print to the "Acrobat Distiller". You "print" to this printer, you actually get a PDF file.

If you don't have Adobe, there are also other products that works same way (= do install a "fake" PDF printer under MSWindows). One is "PDF camp" (click here); another one is Go2PDF (click here).

There is also a more complex way by using the free "Ghostscript" (you can find it on simtel.net): you should install a fake PostScript printer (an Apple LaserJet for example), print to FILE: (instead of LPT1), save the file as filename.ps then use Ghostscript to convert from PS to PDF. A correct Ghostscript command on the DOS prompt is gswin32c -q -d -dPDFSETTINGS=/printer -dCompatibilityLevel=1.3 -dNOPAUSE -dBATCH -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -sOutputFile=c:\nomeoutputfile.pdf nomefile.ps).

To import, use "File >Import" and choose a file format (RTF; HTML; ASCII), then search for the files you want to import in the file system (shown on the left) and drag them to the right. The program can import multiple files at one time and automatically divides a single file into pages. Use CTRL+ CTRL- after the import to see the pages. The import functions sometimes discards the text format, so it would be better to use the native program functions once you have learned them.

When I import RTF, how does the system split a single file into multiple pages, how does it decide when to end a page and start a new one?

It uses an internal criteria.

You can choose (in the import format menu) one file/one page or one file/multiple pages. The latter option ensures that page breaks in the existing document are maintained in your created pages.

I have imported RTF pages, but some of them do not include the "continue" link on the new pages.

You are supposed to write the pages INSIDE the program. If you import the pages from another program, you will need to add the links. The program can place very powerful links, not only the sequential links expected for a sequential piece or book.

After importing, the very first page of the brochure is blank and I can not get rid of it.

Simply copy another page inside it. Alternatively, change the settings of the program so that the cover page and the summary page are not using the first page ("Hypertext >Current Hypertext properties"), then second tab, then click on the left on "cover" or "summary" and choose the required page.

I imported an .rtf document and set up some links to certain portions of it (hypertext?). The links work fine, but in the non-edit, preview mode, I can only get to the linked pages, not the ones without links.

This is normal, as the preview mode is designed to work as if published, and no pages would be available in a live situation, unless linked.

We have user manuals which were created using another program. If we choose to use your software, will we be able to maintain/edit/revise the old manuals in it, or will they have to be recreated?

If your other program is able to save in RTF, HTML or ASCII formats, or at least allows copying to the clipboard, you will be able to import the data to our software (possibly some reformatting will be required).

Can your program import Word Perfect format (WPF files)?

No, but within Word Perfect you can choose "Save as..." then save your file in RTF format, that can be imported by our program.

I am a Graphic Designer. We create brochures etc for our customers. Does your license permit me to make CDs for my customers or only for my own business?

The license permits you the usage of N copies (e.g. you purchase 1 license -> 1 copy) of CDFrontEnd the editor.

There are no limits on the CD / DVDs you create with CDFrontEnd, so you can create CD for customers and you / them can replicate these CDs without limits.

I get "Share error... "

This means the same file is opened in another instance of CDFrontEnd (go to the task bar and close the other instance); or you are out of disk space; or the AEH file is marked as "read only" in the MSWindows file manager.

I'm writing a manual for an application and I need to include multiple copies of the application logo and application name. Is there a quick way?

Create a new page, insert the name and the logo of the application.

Then you can use "Edit >Paste page from..." to insert the logo anywhere you want. You might also use Headers and Footers (F1, Search).

I can't use tabs!

You can use the "reduce indent" and "increase indent" buttons. Use tables for creating columns.

The copy and paste procedure sometimes discards the text format.

This can happen for short text, as CDFrontEnd tries to use intelligent behavior when you cut & paste. Sometimes the behavior is not exactly as you might expect.

Can I insert the same text and/or image group in multiple pages, like a "C include"?

You can do this indirectly, by using frames or header/footers.

How can I make floating windows?

When a user browses your presentation, there are two ways a window can show:

- when the user clicks on a special link ("Insert >Special link")

- when the user enters a page that contains an "open window" component ("Insert >Page functions >Open / close windows"

You can see some samples in the es_aeh folder.

In a CD business card with lots of images, it seems as though there are problems with previews.

Use “Tools >Program options” to increase the image cache settings.

I can’t “minimize” the application.

Select “Tools >Program options” then “Reset dialogs settings”, then exit from the application.

I have a problem with the program locking up. It seems to be related to the file I am working in because I had a few other files that I was working with and am not having the problem there. If the file is corrupted in some way is there anything I can do about saving some of the pages? Help! I don’t want to start over!

First, search for the .BAK file (automatic backup). It is the previous edition of the work and you can open it if you rename it to .AEH within MSWindows.

When a file is corrupted the most practical way is to open a new file, and copy the pages (the non-corrupted ones) from the old file, using "Edit >Paste page from...".

The CDFrontEnd can create self-extracting presentations, and can not export to Web site / HTML. HyperPublish can create Web sites, can export to HTML and HTMLHelp, and has several additional functions. The HyperPublish interface is very similar to the CDFrontEnd one. You can share non protected files.

What is the difference between CDFrontEnd PRO and GOLD?

The Gold edition includes internal shopping cart, forms (you can send data by email or by Web with POST/GET), direct Flash support, and customizable logo / splash screen. You can upgrade from PRO to GOLD here.

How to change / customize the logo / splash screen image?

GOLD edition: just edit the file "gold.gif" inside the "FrontEndFiles" folder (or the CD root). If you want to insert a JPG, just insert a "gold.jpg" file. The size is 404x 288 pixels. PRO edition: click here and upgrade to GOLD.

I have an old 200MHz PC, is it sufficient? Can I create/view a good CD presentation with this PC and CDFrontEnd?

Of course.

Do you have a Mac edition?

No, but if you have Virtual PC you can use the MSWindows version.

I have an icon for email - I've checked the tutorial and can't find out how to make this work!

Very simple: select the image, click the right mouse button on it, choose "Define link", then the 3rd tab, click the "+ Add" button, then enter mailto:youraddress@aol.com

Can I insert forms in CDFrontEnd?

You can with the GOLD edition (see above).

Alternatively, you can link to a page that contains a form in your Web site. If the user wants to send the form, he/she must be connected, so this solution will be OK for all cases.

I can't get the spell check working!

The application uses the MS spell check engine. Some installations of Office 2000/XP mess things up. A practical solution to get things working quickly is to install an old MSWord release (for example Word 7). See the Web forum (news section) for a patch and detailed instructions.

The program says “Access Violation XXXX”, then hangs...

You have too many applications opened (”too many” may mean 4-5 in Win98/ME...!). Close some applications or restart the computer. The error numbers like 00231245E are of no use to us at all.

If this happens and you are able to provide us with step by step instructions on how to reproduce the error, (e.g. open the program, write "mickey", press "save" and the error ALWAYS happens) we can correct the problem. Often it is not a problem with the program, but a problem of limited handles within MSWindows.

If I switch to “read only” (Edit/Preview button), the slides don’t appear to work.

You have to use “Hypertext >Reload page” to start the sequence. To obtain this at load time, configure the hypertext “Read only” with “Hypertext >Options”.

I have noticed that in some of my work, when I resize the windows (larger or smaller), some tables or images move and don't retain their position. Is there a solution to this problem?

This isn't a "problem". You would benefit from practicing with the "invisible" tables, and learning how to use them to correctly position images and text. You must remember that the final users screen and window sizes are unknown. At the end of the PDF manual you will find some useful suggestions on how to create this kind of positioning.

I have created a CD business card and used some of the fonts installed on my computer for the pages. The problem I have is when other people install and view it, the fonts are not the same as the ones I used to create the CD. Should I use just fonts that are universal on all computers?

Yes, Times New Roman, Arial and Courier New. If the user has MSOffice usually also Verdana and some others.

If you want to use a fancy font for titles, you may use transparent images - we have a free "plugin" that permits you to do this automatically (you select/highlight a text, you click a button, the text is instantly transformed into an image by using the current font). The image will be identical for all the end users. Please see www.visualvision.com/plugin/ "text to image" plugin

I have worked with several presentations in the past, although I do not have any of them now. My question is related to the size. I have created most of these pages and you have to scroll them. I do not want that. In the past with past presentation programs, it automatically saved to open in the current screen and there was no scrolling needed. What do I have to do to make this work?

Simply divide your pages into different pages.

Is there a way to setup a printing order for the pages, so when the user wants to print, there is a predefined order?

Just use "Hypertext >Predefined order - TOC" to setup an order. You can define chapters and subchapters, or just sequential pages.

Then with "File >Print" you can choose to print the pages by using the predefined order.